UTEC, a part of Acteon, has recently commissioned its new launch and recovery system (LARS) for a fleet of seven autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), used for seabed surveys in the oil and renewables industries.
UTEC’s new LARS is a floating garage that enables an AUV to be launched and recovered without the need for a small boat, thereby simplifying operations and improving safety. It also enables AUV surveys in parallel with construction or laying activities, as the LARS can be deployed from the same work vessel, the company explained.
The LARS will see its first use on a pipeline inspection offshore West Africa later this month, UTEC noted.
Paul Smith, UTEC group managing director, said, “UTEC’s low-logistics AUVs can be easily launched and recovered from a beach, harbour or survey vessel. The new LARS also makes it easier to operate our AUVs from large vessels, thereby extending their reach and providing flexibility for our clients.”